Climate study warns of increasing overheating in Belgian homes
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How can you structurally protect your home from heat?

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Belgian homes are increasingly prone to overheating due to rising summer temperatures and more frequent heat waves, according to research from KU Leuven featured in an article by VRT NWS. Sun protection can offer a key solution by keeping solar heat out before it enters the home. If the global average temperature rises by 2 °C a scenario that could be reached as early as 2039 many homes in Belgium will face high outdoor temperatures and warm nights more frequently. This could have a major impact on living comfort and even on our health. Our homes are well insulated against the cold, but not sufficiently equipped to keep solar heat out.

Stressed old woman waving fan suffer from overheating at home

Belgian homes are not prepared for the heat

Belgische woningen zijn niet voorbereid op hitte

Belgian homes are increasingly facing extreme heat. This is partly because they are traditionally designed with a strong focus on winter comfort: good insulation and heat retention. However, what is an advantage in winter can become a disadvantage in summer. Research from KU Leuven, reported by VRT NWS, shows that many homes are primarily built to keep heat inside during the cold months but are less well-protected against the sun and heat during hot periods. Large windows without effective sun protection, for example, let in a lot of solar heat, while that heat then has difficulty escaping from the home. As a result, the indoor temperature can rise quickly, especially during heat waves or warm nights when a house cannot cool down sufficiently. The result? An increasingly warmer indoor climate, reduced living comfort, and a growing reliance on air conditioning and ventilation. Without thoughtful measures, the home risks becoming uncomfortably or even unhealthily hot during hot periods.

Afbeelding van de ladder van koeling.

A cooling ladder as a solution

A cooling ladder as a solution

To address the problem of future overheating in Belgian homes during hot weather as demonstrated by KU Leuven and discussed by VRT the cooling ladder is proposed as a solution. But what exactly does that entail?

The cooling ladder is a step-by-step plan to keep buildings cool while using as little energy as possible. The basic principle is to first cool the environment, keep heat out with sunshades, and use passive cooling methods such as natural ventilation. Active cooling, for example with air conditioning, is only used as a last resort. This way, homes become more heat-resistant, thermal comfort remains high, and energy consumption stays low.

A cooling ladder as a solution

4 stage cooling system

icon van stap 1 van de ladder van koeling: een koele omgeving.

Cool environment

Greenery, shady trees, water features, less paving, and heat-resistant landscaping help cool the area around the house. This also helps keep the house itself cool and reduces the cooling load on hot days.

Icon van stap 2 van de ladder van koeling: warmte weren.

Blocking heat

Harol’s exterior sun protection systems, such as screens and roller shutters, effectively block sunlight and prevent overheating. This reduces the cooling load, improves thermal comfort, and increases the energy efficiency of homes and buildings.

Icoon van stap 3 van de ladder van koeling: passief koelen.

Passive cooling

By opening windows and doors and making optimal use of natural ventilation, a building stays cool without consuming additional energy. This reduces the cooling load, increases thermal comfort, and supports energy-efficient buildings.

Icoon van stap 4 van de ladder van koeling: actief koelen.

Active cooling

Active cooling is the final step. Homes often skip the first three steps (maintaining a cool environment, keeping heat out, and passive cooling), which leads to air conditioning being used too early, increasing energy consumption and costs, and making the home less heat-resistant.

Zonneluifel_Tucan
The key: sun protection and smart solutions for beating the heat

Sun protection really makes a difference

If you want to protect your home from summer heat, it’s important to block the sun’s rays before they reach the glass. Exterior sun protection is one of the most efficient ways to prevent overheating and keep the indoor climate comfortable without immediately resorting to air conditioning. That is why Harol, as a proud ES-SO (European Solar Shading Organisation) supporter, backs initiatives that promote sustainable solutions against heat. With sun protection solutions, you help ensure your home remains comfortable and energy-efficient, even during hot summers.

Dina Tersago onder een Harol zonneluifel met kinderen die naar haar toe lopen

Keep the heat out with a Harol awning

Smart solutions for a cooler home

Due to rising temperatures in Belgium, keeping the heat out is becoming increasingly important. With outdoor sun protection such as awnings, roller shutters, and screens, you can limit solar radiation and keep your home cool longer. This provides natural or passive cooling: the indoor temperature remains more comfortable, while the need for active cooling decreases. This way, you increase living comfort, save energy, and make your home better equipped to handle hot summers. A sustainable investment for today and tomorrow.

Global Shading Day banner 2026
Raising awareness is more than necessary

Global Shading Day

As heat waves become increasingly common, there is a growing awareness that homes need better protection against overheating. Yet this awareness is far from widespread. Initiatives such as Global Shading Day therefore play an important role. This international awareness day, organized by the European Solar Shading Organisation (ES-SO), takes place every year on March 21, the start of spring. On that day, organizations, manufacturers, and partners worldwide draw extra attention to the importance of solar shading as a sustainable way to keep buildings cool and save energy. As the European umbrella organization for the sunshading sector, ES-SO is actively committed to promoting exterior sunshading as an efficient solution to prevent overheating in homes.

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